The underside of progress: land, labor, and violence in two Philippine growth zones, 1985-1995

Bulletin of Concerned Asian Scholars

Volumn 30, Issue 1, 1998, Pages 3-12

  Sidel, John T ^a  

^a NONE

Author keywords

[No Author keywords available]

Indexed keywords

CAPITALIST DEVELOPMENT; LABOUR RIGHTS; POLITICAL CONFLICT; SUBURBAN AREA; VIOLENCE;

PHILIPPINES;

EID: 0031753814     PISSN: 00074810     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1080/14672715.1998.10411029     Document Type: Article

References (82)

1. On Philippine "crony capitalism" and "patrimonialism," see Ricardo Manapat, Some Are Smarter Than Others: The History of Marcos' Crony Capitalism (New York: Aletheia Publications, 1991); and Paul D. Hutchcroft, "Oligarchs and Cronies in the Philippine State: The Politics of Patrimonial Plunder," World Politics 43 (1991): 415-450.
2. On Philippine "crony capitalism" and "patrimonialism," see Ricardo Manapat, Some Are Smarter Than Others: The History of Marcos' Crony Capitalism (New York: Aletheia Publications, 1991); and Paul D. Hutchcroft, "Oligarchs and Cronies in the Philippine State: The Politics of Patrimonial Plunder," World Politics 43 (1991): 415-450.
3. See, for example, two recent surveys: Paul Markillie, "Back on the Road: A Survey of the Philippines," The Economist, 11 May 1996; and Rigoberto Tiglao, "Focus Philippines: Boom in Progress," Far Eastern Economic Review, 13 June 1996.
4. See, for example, two recent surveys: Paul Markillie, "Back on the Road: A Survey of the Philippines," The Economist, 11 May 1996; and Rigoberto Tiglao, "Focus Philippines: Boom in Progress," Far Eastern Economic Review, 13 June 1996.
5. See, for example, Nelson Bagador, "Corridor of Promise," Manila Chronicle, 12-18 September 1992; Mylene A. Barrun, "South Cotabato: The Last Frontier," Manila Chronicle, 13 July 1992; Babette Resurreccion Sayo, "From City of Dust to City of Gold," Manila Chronicle, 30 November-6 December 1991; and Rigoberto Tiglao, "Growth Zone," Far Eastern Economic Review, 10 February 1994, pp. 40-45.
6. See, for example, Nelson Bagador, "Corridor of Promise," Manila Chronicle, 12-18 September 1992; Mylene A. Barrun, "South Cotabato: The Last Frontier," Manila Chronicle, 13 July 1992; Babette Resurreccion Sayo, "From City of Dust to City of Gold," Manila Chronicle, 30 November-6 December 1991; and Rigoberto Tiglao, "Growth Zone," Far Eastern Economic Review, 10 February 1994, pp. 40-45.
7. See, for example, Nelson Bagador, "Corridor of Promise," Manila Chronicle, 12-18 September 1992; Mylene A. Barrun, "South Cotabato: The Last Frontier," Manila Chronicle, 13 July 1992; Babette Resurreccion Sayo, "From City of Dust to City of Gold," Manila Chronicle, 30 November-6 December 1991; and Rigoberto Tiglao, "Growth Zone," Far Eastern Economic Review, 10 February 1994, pp. 40-45.
8. See, for example, Nelson Bagador, "Corridor of Promise," Manila Chronicle, 12-18 September 1992; Mylene A. Barrun, "South Cotabato: The Last Frontier," Manila Chronicle, 13 July 1992; Babette Resurreccion Sayo, "From City of Dust to City of Gold," Manila Chronicle, 30 November-6 December 1991; and Rigoberto Tiglao, "Growth Zone," Far Eastern Economic Review, 10 February 1994, pp. 40-45.
9. A noteworthy exception is John McAndrew's careful study of the role of U.S. aid in the General Santos Special Development Zone Project: Aiding Inequality: The General Santos City Project in the Philippines (Washington, D.C.: Philippine Development Forum, 1993). See also Corinne A. Canlas, "Cagayan-Iligan Industrial Corridor: A Corridor of Broken Promises," Rural Development Studies 9, no. 4 (October 1993): 1-54; and Vicente P. Ladlad, "Land Use Problems in Urbanizing Regions: The Case of Laguna Lake Basin," Rural Development Studies 9, no. 2 (July 1993): 1-41.
10. A noteworthy exception is John McAndrew's careful study of the role of U.S. aid in the General Santos Special Development Zone Project: Aiding Inequality: The General Santos City Project in the Philippines (Washington, D.C.: Philippine Development Forum, 1993). See also Corinne A. Canlas, "Cagayan-Iligan Industrial Corridor: A Corridor of Broken Promises," Rural Development Studies 9, no. 4 (October 1993): 1-54; and Vicente P. Ladlad, "Land Use Problems in Urbanizing Regions: The Case of Laguna Lake Basin," Rural Development Studies 9, no. 2 (July 1993): 1-41.
11. A noteworthy exception is John McAndrew's careful study of the role of U.S. aid in the General Santos Special Development Zone Project: Aiding Inequality: The General Santos City Project in the Philippines (Washington, D.C.: Philippine Development Forum, 1993). See also Corinne A. Canlas, "Cagayan-Iligan Industrial Corridor: A Corridor of Broken Promises," Rural Development Studies 9, no. 4 (October 1993): 1-54; and Vicente P. Ladlad, "Land Use Problems in Urbanizing Regions: The Case of Laguna Lake Basin," Rural Development Studies 9, no. 2 (July 1993): 1-41.
12. See Joel Garreau, Edge City: Life on the New Frontier (New York: Doubleday, 1991). One of the owners of the Canlubang Estate in neighboring Laguna Province referred specifically to this book while describing to the author the plans for the sugar plantation's conversion into an industrial park/commercial center/bedroom community. He also noted that he and his fellow investors had hired the planner of the famous Reston, Virginia, community to "develop" Canlubang.
13. Republic of the Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry, The Master Plan on the Project CALABARZON (Manila: Japan International Cooperation Agency, 1991); Carlos P. Ramos, ed., Calabarzon Master Plan: Issues and Implications (Manila: Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, 1991).
14. Republic of the Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry, The Master Plan on the Project CALABARZON (Manila: Japan International Cooperation Agency, 1991); Carlos P. Ramos, ed., Calabarzon Master Plan: Issues and Implications (Manila: Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, 1991).
15. Paul Reyes Churchill, "Cebu: Aberration or Model for Growth?" Philippine Quarterly of Culture and Society 21 (1993): 3-16.
16. Jesus C. Pascual, "The Other Urban Centers," in The Making of a Vibrant Economy (Pasig: Center for Research and Communication, 1988), pp. 33-40; Jesus C. Pascual, "Businessmen Make a Beeline for Mindanao," in Spurring Growth at the Grass Roots: The Outlook for the Economy and the Regions (Pasig : Center for Research and Communication, 1989), pp. 73-78.
17. Jesus C. Pascual, "The Other Urban Centers," in The Making of a Vibrant Economy (Pasig: Center for Research and Communication, 1988), pp. 33-40; Jesus C. Pascual, "Businessmen Make a Beeline for Mindanao," in Spurring Growth at the Grass Roots: The Outlook for the Economy and the Regions (Pasig : Center for Research and Communication, 1989), pp. 73-78.
18. For earlier accounts of Remulla's political career and governorship of Cavite, see John Thayer Sidel, "Coercion, Capital, and the Post-Colonial State: Bossism in the Postwar Philippines" (Ph.D. diss., Cornell University, 1995), pp. 369-387; and Sheila S. Coronel, "Cavite: The Killing Fields of Commerce," in Boss: Five Case Studies of Local Politics in the Philippines, ed. José F. Lacaba (Pasig: Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, 1995), pp. 1-29.
19. For earlier accounts of Remulla's political career and governorship of Cavite, see John Thayer Sidel, "Coercion, Capital, and the Post-Colonial State: Bossism in the Postwar Philippines" (Ph.D. diss., Cornell University, 1995), pp. 369-387; and Sheila S. Coronel, "Cavite: The Killing Fields of Commerce," in Boss: Five Case Studies of Local Politics in the Philippines, ed. José F. Lacaba (Pasig: Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, 1995), pp. 1-29.
20. Benjie Guevarra, "Two Hurt in Atlas Strike," Malaya, 24 September 1984; Desiree Carlos, "Cavite Strike," Malaya, 27 July 1985; Noli Alparce, "Funeral Protest in Cavite," Malaya, 31 July 1985.
21. Benjie Guevarra, "Two Hurt in Atlas Strike," Malaya, 24 September 1984; Desiree Carlos, "Cavite Strike," Malaya, 27 July 1985; Noli Alparce, "Funeral Protest in Cavite," Malaya, 31 July 1985.
22. Benjie Guevarra, "Two Hurt in Atlas Strike," Malaya, 24 September 1984; Desiree Carlos, "Cavite Strike," Malaya, 27 July 1985; Noli Alparce, "Funeral Protest in Cavite," Malaya, 31 July 1985.
23. Commentary in Manila newspapers in the early 1990s on the state of industrial relations in Cavite is instructive. See, for example, Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., "The Frankenstein of Business," Philippine Daily Globe, 8 March 1992; Jarius Bondoc, "Wild, Wild Cavite," Philippine Daily Globe, 14 March 1992; and Alfredo Hemandez, "Cavite Leaders Ban Labor Militancy," Philippine Daily Globe, 19 April 1992.
24. Commentary in Manila newspapers in the early 1990s on the state of industrial relations in Cavite is instructive. See, for example, Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., "The Frankenstein of Business," Philippine Daily Globe, 8 March 1992; Jarius Bondoc, "Wild, Wild Cavite," Philippine Daily Globe, 14 March 1992; and Alfredo Hemandez, "Cavite Leaders Ban Labor Militancy," Philippine Daily Globe, 19 April 1992.
25. Commentary in Manila newspapers in the early 1990s on the state of industrial relations in Cavite is instructive. See, for example, Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., "The Frankenstein of Business," Philippine Daily Globe, 8 March 1992; Jarius Bondoc, "Wild, Wild Cavite," Philippine Daily Globe, 14 March 1992; and Alfredo Hemandez, "Cavite Leaders Ban Labor Militancy," Philippine Daily Globe, 19 April 1992.
26. "Cavite: Harmonious Industrial Relations," Manila Bulletin, 29 July 1991.
27. Municipal Agrarian Reform Office, Dasmariñas, Cavite, "Dasmariñas Land Use Conversion Status, March 1988 to July 1992."
28. Ma. Antoinette Z. Cruz, "Cavite Has High Rate of Illegal Land Conversions, Claim Farmers Groups," Business World, 10 June 1991; "Southern Tagalog Tops Agri Land Conversion List," Business World, 31 July 1991.
29. Ma. Antoinette Z. Cruz, "Cavite Has High Rate of Illegal Land Conversions, Claim Farmers Groups," Business World, 10 June 1991; "Southern Tagalog Tops Agri Land Conversion List," Business World, 31 July 1991.
30. The following statement is found in "Urgent Motion for Temporary Restraining Order," filed 15 September 1982, by Desales A. Loran in G.R. No. 57625, Avelino Pulido et al., Petitioners, versus the Honorable Court of Appeals et al., Respondents (Supreme Court, Manila): "Kapag ikaw ay pinakiusapan na ng iyong Barangay Captain, mga pulis, ng iyong mayor, ng iyong gobernador, at kapag hindi ka pa nakuha sa pakiusap, maasahan mo na ang susunod ay kung hindi mawala ang iyong mga kalabaw, mga kasangkapan, ay maaaring ikaw na ang sumunod na mawawala kung hindi man mapasama ka sa unsolved Case ay tiyak na ikaw ay matatambangan. Marami niyan dito sa Cavite nguni't marami rin ang hindi na pupublika sa mga dyaryo." (Translation by the author.)
31. "Comments with Urgent Motion for the Immediate Lifting of the Honorable Supreme Court's Restraining Order Dated September 19, 1991 and to Restrain Petitioner from Further Acts of Destruction, Harassment," filed 2 October 1991 by Chairman Mary Concepcion Bautista, Commission on Human Rights, pp. 3-4, in CHR Case No. 91-1699, Export Processing Zone Authority, Petitioner, versus the Honorable Commission on Human Rights, Teresita Valles, Loreto Aledia, and Pedro Ordones, Respondents.
32. According to the Office of the Civil Registrar, Carmona, Cavite," Romeo Lacampuenga died 17 March 1989 due to "Internal Hemmorrhage from Multiple Stab Wounds."
33. "Joint Affidavit of Romeo Lacampuenga (deceased) and Valeriana Cunanan," filed 7 November 1991 in RTC-BCV-88-49, Valeriana Cunanan et al., Plaintiffs, versus Municipality of Carmona et al., Defendants (Regional Trial Court, Fourth Judicial Region, Branch 19, Bacoor, Cavite).
34. In the May 1992 elections, Remulla spent an estimated two hundred million pesos (US$8 million) to insure his own re-election and that of his protégé mayors and congressmen. Although narrowly defeated by a Ramos-backed candidate in the 1995 elections, Remulla is widely believed to be considering a comeback bid in 1998.
35. Interview by the author with a former Cavite provincial treasurer, 24 July 1991; interview with a former president of the Cavite Contractors' Association, 20 October 1991.
36. See "Complaint" filed 26 January 1989 by PCGG Chairman M.A.T. Caparas, in Civil Case no. 0062, PCGG51, Republic of the Philippines, Plaintiff, versus Juanito Reyes Remulla, Defendant (Republic of the Philippines, Sandiganbayan, Third Division, Manila).
37. George N. Manzano, "NIC Fever on Fiesta Island (and the Many Other Reasons Why I Hope to See You in Cebu)," in The Making of a Vibrant Economy (Pasig, Metro Manila: Center for Research and Communication, 1988), p. 48.
38. Frederick L. Wemstedt, The Role and Importance of Philippine Interisland Shipping and Trade (Ithaca: Cornell University Southeast Asia Program, 1957), Data Paper, no. 26, pp. 33-47.
39. Romeo S. Alviso, "The Port of Cebu," in Commemorative Magazine: Port of Cebu (Cebu City: Philippine Ports Authority, 1988), pp. 14-15.
40. Make It Cebu (Cebu City: Department of Trade and Industry, Region VII, 1992), pp. 7, 23.
41. Directory of Labor Unions 1973 (Manila: Department of Labor, Labor Statistics Service, 1973), pp. 315-346. See also Associated Labor Unions Twenty-fifth Anniversary: Cebu City, 27-28 October 1979 (Cebu City: Associated Labor Unions, 1979).
42. Directory of Labor Unions 1973 (Manila: Department of Labor, Labor Statistics Service, 1973), pp. 315-346. See also Associated Labor Unions Twenty-fifth Anniversary: Cebu City, 27-28 October 1979 (Cebu City: Associated Labor Unions, 1979).
43. Jaime T. Infante, The Political, Economic, and Labor Climate in the Philippines (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School, Industrial Research Unit, Multinational Industrial Relations Series, no. 8 (1980): 122-129.
44. Bureau of International Labor Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor, Country Labor Profile: Republic of the Philippines (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1979), p. 3.
45. See, for example, "PC Acts to Prevent Bloodshed at Waterfront Due to Shipping Strike," Daily News, 22 March 1959; and "Coercion Raps Filed vs. Striking Unionists," Republic News, 14 March 1965.
46. See, for example, "PC Acts to Prevent Bloodshed at Waterfront Due to Shipping Strike," Daily News, 22 March 1959; and "Coercion Raps Filed vs. Striking Unionists," Republic News, 14 March 1965.
47. See Stuart Howard, "Controversy over ICFTU Affiliate," International Labour Reports 11 (Sept.-Oct. 1984): 15-16.
48. See, for example, Mactan Workers Union et al., Plaintiffs and Appellees versus Don Ramon Aboitiz et al., Defendants and Appellees, Associated Labor Union, Intervenor and Appellant, "Mga Hatol Ng Kataas-taasang Hukuman" (Decisions of the Supreme Court)," Official Gazette 68, no. 43 (23 October 1972): 8311.
49. Chote Phoativongsacharn, "Labor Unionism in the Economic Life of Cebu City: With Emphasis on the ALU" (master's thesis, University of San Carlos, 1970), pp. 117-152.
50. See, for example, John P. McAndrew, The Impact of Corporate Mining on Local Philippine Communities (Davao City: ARC, 1983), pp. 67-68.
51. The author lived down the street from the Visayan Glass Factory for several months between 1989 and 1992.
52. Hugh Williamson, "Brand New Repression," International Labour Reports 27-28 (summer 1988): 20-21; Democrito Mendoza, "Baseless Allegations," International Labour Reports 30 (Nov.-Dec. 1988): 5; "The Facts about Atlas," International Labour Reports 31 (Jan.-Feb. 1989): 4.
53. Hugh Williamson, "Brand New Repression," International Labour Reports 27-28 (summer 1988): 20-21; Democrito Mendoza, "Baseless Allegations," International Labour Reports 30 (Nov.-Dec. 1988): 5; "The Facts about Atlas," International Labour Reports 31 (Jan.-Feb. 1989): 4.
54. Hugh Williamson, "Brand New Repression," International Labour Reports 27-28 (summer 1988): 20-21; Democrito Mendoza, "Baseless Allegations," International Labour Reports 30 (Nov.-Dec. 1988): 5; "The Facts about Atlas," International Labour Reports 31 (Jan.-Feb. 1989): 4.
55. See, for example, Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, Vigilantes in the Philippines: A Threat to Democratic Rule (New York: Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, 1988), pp. 79-83; Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, Out of Control: Militia Abuses in the Philippines (New York: Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, 1990), p. 40; and Amnesty International, Philippines: Human Rights Violations and the LabourMovement (London: Amnesty International, June 1991), pp. 11, 43.
56. See, for example, Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, Vigilantes in the Philippines: A Threat to Democratic Rule (New York: Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, 1988), pp. 79-83; Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, Out of Control: Militia Abuses in the Philippines (New York: Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, 1990), p. 40; and Amnesty International, Philippines: Human Rights Violations and the LabourMovement (London: Amnesty International, June 1991), pp. 11, 43.
57. See, for example, Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, Vigilantes in the Philippines: A Threat to Democratic Rule (New York: Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, 1988), pp. 79-83; Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, Out of Control: Militia Abuses in the Philippines (New York: Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, 1990), p. 40; and Amnesty International, Philippines: Human Rights Violations and the LabourMovement (London: Amnesty International, June 1991), pp. 11, 43.
58. Amnesty International, Philippines, pp. 11, 43.
59. Kim Scipes, KMU: Building Genuine Trade Unionism in the Philippines, 1980-1994 (Quezon City: New Day Publishers, 1996), pp. 110-127.
60. Noemi C. Fetalvero, "Two Gangmen Positive of Powder Burns," Sun-Star Daily, 26 February 1988; "Dolphin Gang Men Arrested," Sun-Star Daily, 5 March 1988; "Murder Charges Filed v. Gang," Sun-Star Daily, 9 March 1988.
61. Noemi C. Fetalvero, "Two Gangmen Positive of Powder Burns," Sun-Star Daily, 26 February 1988; "Dolphin Gang Men Arrested," Sun-Star Daily, 5 March 1988; "Murder Charges Filed v. Gang," Sun-Star Daily, 9 March 1988.
62. Noemi C. Fetalvero, "Two Gangmen Positive of Powder Burns," Sun-Star Daily, 26 February 1988; "Dolphin Gang Men Arrested," Sun-Star Daily, 5 March 1988; "Murder Charges Filed v. Gang," Sun-Star Daily, 9 March 1988.
63. "Affidavit of Nicomedes Casilao, March 7, 1988, Cebu City," in Criminal Case no. CBU-12658, People of the Philippines, Plaintiff, versus Emmamelito Ramas alias "Tata," Rolando Dumalag et al., Accused (Regional Trial Court, Region VII, Branch 23, Cebu City).
64. One worker interviewed by the author in Danao in 1991 and 1992 described in some detail Mitsumi's assembly line for the production of magnetic heads for cassette tapes. By her account, workers must remain standing for the duration of their eight-hour shifts and are only permitted to sit down during a daily fifteen-minute break.
65. Fred C. Espinoza, "Study on Cebu's 'Attractions' Cites Favorable Labor Costs," Sun-Star Daily, 5 May 1993.
66. "Farmers Change Mind on Support for Aznar," Philippine Daily Inquirer, 11 April 1992, p. 23; "Farmers Raise Ejection Issue against Developer," Sun-Star Daily, 6 July 1992, pp. 1, 15.
67. "Farmers Change Mind on Support for Aznar," Philippine Daily Inquirer, 11 April 1992, p. 23; "Farmers Raise Ejection Issue against Developer," Sun-Star Daily, 6 July 1992, pp. 1, 15.
68. "Privilege Speech of Congressman Leonardo Q. Montemayor," 22 March 1993, House of Representatives; and Connie E. Fernandez, "Farmer Leader Killed in Cebu," Philippine Daily Inquirer, 21 March 1993.
69. "Privilege Speech of Congressman Leonardo Q. Montemayor," 22 March 1993, House of Representatives; and Connie E. Fernandez, "Farmer Leader Killed in Cebu," Philippine Daily Inquirer, 21 March 1993.
70. Provincial Farmers' Forum et al., "Fact-Finding Team Report on the Massacre of Two Farmers in Pardo, Cebu City," filed 10 August 1993, before the Office of Senator Wigberto Tañada, pp. 1-7.
71. Letter of 18 August 1993, from Congressman Leonardo Q. Montemayor to Congressman Bonifacio H. Gillego, Chairman, Committee on Human Rights, House of Representatives (Manila).
72. "Woodside Village," Philippine Daily Inquirer, 21 April 1992; Carlos D. Marquez Jr., "The Dy Dynasty," Manila Chronicle, 4-10 July 1992; and Carlos D. Marquez Jr., "Summer of the Patriarch," Manila Chronicle, 4-10 July 1992.
73. "Woodside Village," Philippine Daily Inquirer, 21 April 1992; Carlos D. Marquez Jr., "The Dy Dynasty," Manila Chronicle, 4-10 July 1992; and Carlos D. Marquez Jr., "Summer of the Patriarch," Manila Chronicle, 4-10 July 1992.
74. "Woodside Village," Philippine Daily Inquirer, 21 April 1992; Carlos D. Marquez Jr., "The Dy Dynasty," Manila Chronicle, 4-10 July 1992; and Carlos D. Marquez Jr., "Summer of the Patriarch," Manila Chronicle, 4-10 July 1992.
75. For example, tourist resorts in Cavite and Cebu that cater to Japanese businessmen have hired golf pros such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player to design their golf courses.
76. Arnold E. Belleza and Allan M. Refuerzo, "Focus: The CALABARZON Project, Possible Glitches: Squatters, Strikes,"Business World, 18 October 1990.
77. Phil Bronstein and David Johnston, "U.S. Funding Anti-left Fight in Philippines," San Francisco Examiner, 21 July 1985.
78. Lois Ann West, "Political Unionism, Development and Democratization in the Philippines" (Ph.D. diss., University of California at Berkeley, 1989), pp. 473-483.
79. Stuart Howard, "In Our Name," International Labour Reports 12 (Nov.-Dec. 1986): 11-14.
80. "National Endowment for Democracy: Winning Friends?" International Labour Reports 33 (May-June 1989): 7-13.
81. Bronstein and Johnston, "U.S. Funding."
82. A noteworthy exception is the work of Frederic C. Deyo. See, for example, his Beneath the Miracle: Labor Subordination in the New Asian Industrialism (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1989).